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Mogao Cave 17: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
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Mogao Cave 17: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
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Mogao Cave 17: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on silk; 63.7 x 17 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This late 9th century painting depicts Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva standing with bare feet on a lotus pedestal. Blue coloring on the bare head and the chin represents stubble. A nimbus of two concentric rings surrounds the head.
The Bodhisattva wears a golden necklace and an armlet. The monastic robe is covered with a grid of squares filled with colorful clouds. An orange stole is draped over the left shoulder. The fingers of the right hand gently grasp the neck of a golden vase, and the left hand is held horizontal in front of the stomach.
A canopy hangs at the top of the picture. The cartouche on the top left is written with an inscription that reads Homage to the Great Sage |
